Latch Reinforcing Member for Case Locking Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking apparatuses for cases, such as those used in battery packs and portable computers, suffer from deformation due to repeated use, which affects their operational strength and ease of detachment/attachment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reinforcing member with an elliptical or zigzag shape, made of materials like polycarbonate or PolyOxyMethylene, between the opposite walls of the latch to absorb pressure and maintain tension, preventing deformation and ensuring consistent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a latch structure is provided to allow detachment and attachment between components, then ease of operation is improved, but deformation occurs due to repeated uses affecting operational strength
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is divided into functional segments: a body portion connecting to the operating knob, an opposite wall portion extending from the body, and a hitch member formed at the other side of the body. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while distributing stress, thereby preventing deformation during repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
A reinforcing member is disposed between the opposite wall portion to prevent deformation before it occurs during repeated latch operations. The reinforcing member acts as a preventive measure that maintains structural integrity and operational strength throughout the product's lifecycle.
2Ease of manufacture
If the latch structure is simplified for easy manufacturing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but deformation caused by movement and assembly cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member is integrally formed with the opposite wall portion, merging two functional elements into a single molded component. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining the deformation-preventing function, thus achieving both ease of manufacture and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is formed using materials with appropriate mechanical properties that balance ease of molding with resistance to deformation. The use of suitable polymers or composite materials allows the latch to maintain structural integrity during assembly and operation without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Strength
If the reinforcing member is made more robust to prevent deformation, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member is strategically positioned only in the opposite wall portion where deformation is most likely to occur during latch operation. This localized reinforcement provides necessary structural strength without adding complexity to the entire latch structure, maintaining simplicity while preventing deformation at critical points.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The reinforcing member minimizes deformation and maintains operational tension even with repeated use, ensuring reliable detachment and attachment of components without requiring excessive force or user inconvenience.
Implementation Method 1
a reinforcing member disposed between the opposite wall portion... the reinforcing member minimizes deformation and maintains operational tension even with repeated use
Data Source
AI summary
A locking apparatus for a case and the case having the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the locking apparatus includes an operating knob formed at an external surface of the case and a latch connected to the operating knob and configured to slide with respect to the case. The latch may include i) a body portion connected to the operating knob, ii) an opposite wall portion having opposite walls which extend from a first side of the body portion, iii) a hitch member formed on a second side of the body portion, wherein the first and second sides are opposing each other, and iv) a reinforcing member disposed between the opposite walls.